Outpatient Prescriptions

Can VA fill my prescriptions from a private provider?

VA will provide medications that are prescribed by VA providers in conjunction with VA medical care. Medications are prescribed from an approved list of medications called a formulary. VA will not simply fill or rewrite prescriptions prescribed by your private physician.

Medications are an important part of your health care. Managing medications is SERIOUS business. Medications need to be monitored and some require ongoing laboratory tests. Medications taken together can cause dangerous side effects or become ineffective because of the combination of drugs. Some medications can cause side effects even without other medications being involved. Because of these risks, a VA provider must manage your health care or "co-manage" your care with a community provider so long as that care is provided in a safe and appropriate manner.

If you see a non-VA provider and want to have prescriptions filled by VA, all of the following criteria must be met:

• You must be enrolled in VA health care.
• You need to have an assigned Primary Care Provider.
• It is your responsibility to provide your VA health care provider with your medical records from your non-VA provider.
• Your VA health care provider has to agree with the medication prescribed by your non-VA provider.

Your VA health care provider is under no obligation to prescribe a medication recommended by a non-VA provider.

Remember, to get the most benefit from your medications it is important to understand:

• The purpose of your medication
• How to take your medication
• What to expect from your medication, including side effects
• How to get prescription refills

How do I obtain medication refills?

Fill your prescriptions Online!!

You can now use the "My HealtheVet" web site to refill your VA prescriptions and view your VA prescription history online! Online prescription refill was the most popular request for My HealtheVet. So, you asked for it, and now it's here! This service is designed exclusively for VA patients to manage medications prescribed by VA doctors. To access Prescription Refill, you need to be a registered user of My HealtheVet. As a registered user, you will also have access to Personal Health Journal where you can record and track your health statistics online. If you are not a registered user, register now. Click here to Learn how to use Prescription Refill - It's easy!

There are other ways you can request a refill of your medication. Medication refills can also be requested by mailing the refill notice provided to you at the time of your original fill. Your order will be processed through our Pharmacy mail-out program. Routine refills can not be processed at the Pharmacy windows (unless there are special circumstances). To ensure you receive your medication promptly, please order refills at least 20 calendar days before you run out of medication.

Some VA Pharmacies have toll-free automated telephone refill systems. See the phone number listing for your local VA Facility.

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For questions about Health Care Eligibility, please visit the VA inquiry website.